Why Am I Tired All The Time?

Feeling tired is something we all experience from time to time, but what happens when it becomes a constant companion? If you’re wondering, “Why am I tired all the time?” you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll explore some possible reasons behind your persistent fatigue and the challenges it can pose, providing insights to help you understand and address this common issue.

Why Am I Tired All the Time?

Experiencing frequent tiredness can have numerous causes, and pinpointing the exact reason may require some detective work. Modern lives are often busy, requiring a lot of juggling and planning, and sometimes you may feel that you’re pulled in all sorts of different directions or that there are not enough hours in the day. It’s easy to put frequent tiredness down to these stresses, but sometimes there are other, underlying reasons for your fatigue.

Here are some common culprits:

Poor Sleep: The most obvious cause of chronic tiredness is not getting enough quality sleep. Sleep disruptions, sleep disorders, or an irregular sleep schedule can all lead to persistent fatigue.

Stress and Anxiety: Mental and emotional strain can take a toll on your energy levels, causing you to feel tired even after a full night’s sleep.

Underlying Health Conditions: Medical conditions like anaemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, and sleep apnoea can result in persistent tiredness.

Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to reduced energy levels. Regular exercise can help boost your vitality.

Diet and Nutrition: Poor eating habits, vitamin deficiencies, or skipping meals can leave you feeling drained.

Medications: Some medications have fatigue as a side effect. If you’re currently taking prescription medication and you suspect this might be the cause of your tiredness, you might want to check in with your GP to see if they can recommend any adjustments or alternatives.

Dehydration: Inadequate hydration can lead to a drop in energy levels. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Most of us need between 1.5 and 2.5 litres of water a day – about six to eight cups – but you may need more if carrying out heavy work, exercising, or in hot weather.

The Problems with Chronic Fatigue

Tiredness isn’t just an inconvenience; it can impact your life in various ways.

Reduced Productivity: Feeling tired all the time can hinder your ability to focus and complete tasks, both at work and in your personal life.

Mood Changes: Chronic fatigue is often linked to mood swings, irritability, and even depression.

Health Consequences: Long-term fatigue can contribute to the development of serious health conditions and weaken your immune system.

Reduced Quality of Life: It can affect your ability to enjoy daily activities and maintain a fulfilling life.

What Can You Do To Combat Tiredness?

If you find yourself constantly tired, it’s important to address the issue:

Speak to your GP: If you suspect an underlying medical condition, speak to your doctor for a check up. They can arrange tests for anything that they suspect might be an underlying cause.

Prioritise Sleep: Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a comfortable sleep environment, and practise good sleep hygiene. 

Manage Stress: Incorporate stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine.

Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity to boost your energy levels.

Eat a Balanced Diet: Ensure you’re getting the right nutrients and staying hydrated.

Medication Review: If you’re currently taking prescription medication, discuss any side effects with your GP and explore alternative options if necessary.

Try Behavioural Approaches: Techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can be effective in managing sleep disturbances. CBT-I is an evidence-based therapy that helps you identify and change thoughts and behaviours that contribute to sleep problems. It’s highly effective in treating insomnia. It helps change negative thought patterns and behaviours related to sleep. Sleepio is a CBT-I treatment that works with you to develop a personalised insomnia treatment plan, empowering you to challenge negative thought patterns, establish healthy sleep habits, and enjoy restful nights of sleep.

Constant tiredness can be a challenging and frustrating experience, but there are steps you can take to understand and address it. Whether it’s making lifestyle changes, seeking medical advice, or managing stress, there are ways to combat chronic fatigue. You’re not alone in this journey, these tips can uncover the reasons behind your fatigue and work towards a more energised you.